ISCC Online Training for Independent Smallholders Certification

ISCC Online Training for Independent Smallholder Certification

On demand online training – participation to own schedule.

Fee Structure

  • 150 € + VAT

How to Attend the Online Training for Independent Smallholders Certification

Registration for the online training is open. You may register for the Online Training here on the ISCC website at any time. After the registration you will receive an invoice for the participation fee. As soon as the payment has been confirmed by ISCC, every participant will receive the login data and is able to start with the training.

Duration: Participants will be able to complete the online training in six hours, excluding the time required for the pre-read material.


About the Training

Millions of smallholders depend on selling their agricultural products for their livelihood but are facing problems of low yields, little income and lack of market access. ISCC has developed the Independent Smallholders Certification process, which can provide an option for smallholders to increase productivity and thus increase income and raise attention to potential customers. The concept is applicable to smallholders all over the world producing agricultural raw materials.

In order to provide interested stakeholders with in-depth information on the certification process, ISCC, in cooperation with several partners, has created a comprehensive Online Training for Independent Smallholders Certification.


Benefits at a Glance

  • Get to know regulatory framework conditions for the certification of independent smallholders under ISCC
  • Learn about the structure of the Independent Smallholders Certification concept
  • Find out about the verification of ISCC requirements for independent smallholders and Central Offices for Independent Smallholders
  • Become familiarised with the relevant tools involved in the certification of independent smallholders

What People are Saying About the Online Training

The training is an excellent preparation for audits of Independent Smallholders and Central Offices. The training material is easy to understand and technically good to handle.

Dian Soeminta, TÜV Rheinland Indonesia

Easy to perform and very comprehensible! I can recommend the training to anyone who wants to gain a deeper knowledge about the certification of independent smallholders.

Muhammad Shazaley Abdullah, Bureau Veritas

The training is an excellent preparation for audits of Independent Smallholders and Central Offices. The training material is easy to understand and technically good to handle.

Evgeni Sud, TÜV Nord

Easy-to-use online training with very good presentations.

Ahmad Hamdi Mat Yusoff, SGS Malaysia


Target Group

The Online Training for Independent Smallholders Certification is open for all interested parties:

  • Company representatives
  • Certification bodies / auditors
  • NGO’s
  • Research bodies / authorities

For auditors, this training is mandatory in order to be able to conduct ISCC audits of independent smallholders and Central Offices for independent smallholders. In addition, the technical reviewer who approves the final audit within the certification body needs to take part in the training as well.

Important Note

This ISCC training DOES NOT replace the participation in a 3-day ISCC Basic Training for auditors, which is a mandatory requirement prior to conducting ISCC audits.


General Information About the Online Training for Independent Smallholders Certification

The training is divided into six chapters.

The chapters are composed of an explanatory video, a download section and a test. The tests consist of multiple-choice questions and every participant is required to answer at least 90% of the questions correctly in order to further proceed with the Training. The passing of the tests is mandatory.

Please be aware that the language of the course and of the pre-read material will be English. However, the main documents contained in the pre-read material are also provided in Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia).

1. Introduction

The first chapter is an introduction into the Independent Smallholders Certification concept within the ISCC system. The section explains how to set up a Central Office and how to select and train interested smallholders, so that they can achieve an ISCC certification. Furthermore, this chapter explains how the smallholders can be integrated into an already existing ISCC certification.

2. ISCC Requirements

The second chapter describes the ISCC requirements for independent smallholders and Central Offices, as well as the transfer of responsibilities from the smallholders to the Central Office under the Independent Smallholders Certification concept. Additionally, this section explains how to verify ISCC criteria for the smallholders, Central Offices and potential subcontractors.

3. Certification Process

The third chapter explains the different steps of the certification process, as well as the related documents. Focus is the conduction of the audit by the auditor, the regulation on the implementation of corrective measures and the consequences that occur when smallholders refuse to be audited.

4. Independent Smallholders Audit under ISCC

The fourth chapter provides in-depth knowledge on how to conduct an Independent Smallholders audit under ISCC. Video material explains shows how the audits of smallholders and Central Offices are conducted on-site. Particular emphasis lies on the most important issues connected with smallholders – peatland drainage, fertilisers and pesticides application, healthy and safe working conditions.

5. Independent Smallholders Data Management Tool

The fifths chapter guides through the Independent Smallholders Data Management Tool, which is used to collect, evaluate and monitor data of Independent Smallholders (e.g. personal data, field polygons). The tool consists of the Independent Smallholders Data Management, the Smallholder App and the GRAS Visualisation interface.

6. Scorecard

The sixths chapter describes the Scorecard tool. The scorecard is used to identify gaps where smallholders lack certain knowledge on how to implement measures required by ISCC. It provides the necessary indications on content that should be included in the Independent Smallholders Training in order to fill the gaps and support users in monitoring improvements of the smallholders.


General Note

  • ISCC trainings are open for all interested parties
  • ISCC trainings are held in English (if not stated otherwise)
  • The training documents are provided in electronic form (downloadable along the training)
  • Participants should use their laptop/computer for the training
  • Please note that the official ISCC Attestation of Participation can only be issued to participants who attend the entire training, successfully complete it and send the final certificate and feedback questionnaire to ISCC as described in the online training

Payment and cancellation policy